Sunflower festivals are celebrated during the summer months when all plants, sunflowers and gardens alike, are in full bloom. Can you think of a more cheery theme for a summer festival as the sunflower? The sunflower is a great symbol for unity and peace, love and happiness. Sunflower festivals are generally about being laid back and enjoying life, just as the sunflower is quite laid back as it enjoys the sun while it is crossing the sky. There are many festivals around the world named after the sunflower, and we are listing the 2008 gatherings here on this page for your convenience and enjoyment! If you know of any additional sunflower festivals we have missed, please use our contact form to send info along and we'll get it on this page as fast as we can!
The Altona Sunflower Festival
July 27th, 28th & 29th, 2012
You are heartily invited to attend one of the most famous and exciting events in southern Manitoba! Altona's own Sunflower Festival has been entertaining residents and visitors alike since 1964. Traditionally held during the last weekend in July, the Festival is as vibrant and colourful as it's big yellow trademark!
The Sunflower Farm Festival
Held July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th 2011 (2012 dates yet to be announced)
1380 Durden Rd. Rutledge, GA 30663
The Sundridge Sunflower Festival, Sundridge, Ontario
It appears after a decade-long hiatus, the Sundridge Sunflower Festival has been revived in this charming town. Dates for 2012: Aug. 11 & 12. Sundridge, Ontario is located on the shores of Lake Bernard, about 3.5 hours north of Toronto. Check out their link for a list of events, including a parade, pancake breakfast, water demonstrations and an outdoor movie.
Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival
Last year, an international crowd of 25,000 music fans flocked to the 20th anniversary celebration of the Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival. If you are a Blues fan, there are over three days of non-stop music for your enjoyment. 2012 dates have been announced: August 10th, 11th and 12th, 2012.
International Sunflower Festival, Frankfort, Ohio
Enjoy a car show, a grand parade, a pageant, flower show, music, crafts and MORE! The whole downtown is involved with a weekend of fun, generally held on the Labor Day weekend in September.
North Dakota Sunflower Festival
Enderlin's largest annual event is an action-packed week-long celebration. Fun contests include the largest sunflower head, best sunflower recipe and Lil' Miss and Lil' Mister Sunflower. I don't see dates yet for 2012, so check the link above to see when they've been published. The festival is typically held in September each year.
Rasmussen Farms Van Gogh Days in Mt Hood, Oregon
Celebrating 60 kinds of sunflowers – you can paint, cut, take photos and enjoy the many colors of summer. Starts in August and runs through the month - check the link for exact 2012 dates. Reservations suggested for photo clubs or art groups. There's BBQ, wine tasting, treasure hunts and games for the kids.
Sunflower Music Festival, Topeka, Kansas
An annual series of orchestra concerts, chamber music evenings, educational projects and other artistic events of the highest level. These events occur throughout a two week period each June in White Concert Hall on the Washburn University campus.
Sunflower Festival in Rosenhuben, Switzerland
Running for the past 10 years or so, features dancing and music and this year was scheduled August 5th and 6th, 2011. The 2012 dates have not yet been published but the link above will help you keep track if you are lucky enough to be visiting Switzerland at the time of the festival.
Sunflower Fields of Lop Buri, Thailand
If you are travelling to Thailand between November and January, you can head to central Thailand each year to view the gorgeous fields covered with sunflowers. Panoramic sunflower fields have become Lop Buri's major tourist attraction when they are in full bloom; gorgeous!
Akeno Sunflower Festival (Festival Link in Japanese)
Visitors can take pleasure in viewing a sea of 210,000 sunflowers, enclosed on all sides by the Southern Alps, Mt. Yatsugatake, Mt. Fuji, Mt. Kayagatake, and other mountains in sun-drenched Akeno Town, which gets the longest hours of sunlight in Japan. I can't read Japanese to tell you the exact dates; typically takes place in the months of July and August.
If you know of more festivals I am happy to link to them; these are just the ones I have either heard of or that could be readily found. Contact me using the form on my site and we'll get your festival added too!
Ukrainian Sunflower Festival in Warren, Michigan
For a reason unknown to me, the festival has not been held for the last few years, not since 2007. Typically a large celebration, with traditional Ukranian food, arts and crafts, it has historically attracted tens of thousands. Perhaps there will be a date in 2012. Check the link above to keep track; however, the website does not seem to exist any longer.